MINNEAPOLIS — It was an odd sight in the hours leading up to Tuesday night's All-Star Game.

Oakland Athletics right-hander Jeff Samardzija was sitting at his locker in the National League clubhouse at Target Field despite playing for an American League team. While everyone else on both the NL and AL squads wore caps with the logos of their teams, Samardzija's cap simply said All-Star Game.

Huh?

Thanks to a Major League Baseball rule — one some might call archaic — Samardzija was ineligible to play because he was part of an interleague trade July 4, going from the Chicago Cubs to the Athletics.

Because Samardzija had made the NL team by winning the player's vote, he was not allowed to pitch for the AL. Yet because he now plays for an AL team, Samardzija was not allowed to pitch for the NL.

Confusing, to be sure, but Samardzija just tried to go with the flow in the first All-Star Game appearance of his seven-year career.

"I'm just happy to be a part of it all, getting the chance to take part in the festivities," Samardzija said. "I'd love to pitch but I can't, so I'll just sit back and enjoy the game."

At least Samardzija wasn't totally inactive. He threw in the bullpen before the game in preparation for his next start Friday night at home against the Baltimore Orioles in the Athletics' first game following the All-Star break.

Samardzija will gladly trade being ineligible to pitch in an All-Star Game for having a chance to win a World Series.

For the Win's Ted Berg discusses the biggest reasons you should tune into the MLB All-Star Game on July 15 at 8 p.m.

The Athletics have the best record in the major leagues at 59-36, though they have a slim 1½-game lead over the Los Angeles Angels in the AL West. The rebuilding Cubs, conversely, are 40-54 and in last place in the NL Central.

A free spirit with his long black hair and a love of 1970s classic rock, Samardzija is a kindred spirit with his new teammates.

"It's been an adjustment going to the West Coast because I'm a Midwest boy, born and bred," said Samardzija, who grew up in Valparaiso, Ind., and was an All-America wide receiver in college as a two-sport star at Notre Dame.

"But I love being on a team that has a chance to win now, and I feel like I fit in with the guys in the clubhouse. I feel very welcome."

Samardzija, 29, has gone 1-1 with a 2.40 ERA in his first two starts for the Athletics after having a 2-7 record despite a fine 2.83 ERA in 17 starts with the Cubs. He was the subject of heavy trade speculation throughout last season and into this year.

"It became almost laughable after a while, all the rumors going around, all the people asking me about it," Samardzija said. "I'm glad it's over and I don't have to talk about it or think about it anymore." ​